In Friendship's Guise eBook

The girl linked her arm in his, and drew him to a
darker and lonelier spot by the water. In a few
words, tremulously spoken, she told him what he had
already surmised—­that her father had discovered
her secret, and had taxed her with it when he came
home on the previous evening.

“By Jove, it was my fault,” Jack said,
contritely. “I should not have tempted
you to go on that unlucky trip last Tuesday. So
you were seen near Richmond station by some meddlesome
individual—­probably when you got out of
the trap! But it may turn out for the best; your
father could not have been kept in ignorance much
longer. Was he angry?”

“Yes, Jack; but he seemed more hurt and grieved.
Oh, it was such a wretched time!”

“My poor girl! Does—­does he
want you to give me up?”

“He forbade me to see you again.”

“And you are here!”

“Did you expect me to obey him?”

“What did you tell him, dearest?”

“All—­everything. I spoke up
bravely, Jack. I told him I was a woman now,
and that I loved you with all my heart, and intended
to marry you!”

“My own plucky Madge! And I suppose that
made him the more angry?”

“No; my defiance surprised him—­he
thought I would yield. He talked about ingratitude,
and called me a foolish girl who did not know her own
mind. He looked awfully sad and stern, Jack, but
when I kissed him and begged him not to be angry,
he melted a little.”

“And gave in?”

“No, neither of us yielded; we agreed to a sort
of a tacit truce. Father did not speak of the
matter again, and he went to town very early this
morning, before I was up. He left word with Mrs.
Sedgewick that he would not be back until late.
I was sure he would go to your studio.”

“I have not seen him,” replied Jack; “but
I hope he will come. If he doesn’t I shall
call on him and ask for your hand, and without delay.
It is the only honorable course. Until I set
things right with him, and satisfy him of my intentions,
I can’t blame him for thinking all sorts of
evil of me.”

“If he knew you as I know you, dear!”

“But he doesn’t,” Jack said, bitterly.
“Is it likely that he will consent to let you
marry a poor artist? No. But I can’t—­I
won’t—­give you up, Madge!”

The girl rested her hands on his shoulders, and looked
trustfully into his face.

“Dear Jack, don’t worry,” she whispered.
“It will all come right in the end. We
love each other, and we will be true. Nothing
shall part us. I am yours always, and some day
I will be your wife. Promise that you will believe
me—­that you will never be afraid of losing
me!”

“I do believe you, darling,” Jack
said, fervently. “You have made me happy
again—­your words have driven the clouds
away. I could not live without you, Madge.
Since I have known you the whole world seems brighter
and better. For your sake I am going to make a
name and a fortune.”